1. AAT Qualifications
  2. AAT Bookkeeping Qualifications

AAT Bookkeeping Qualifications

We offer five short bookkeeping qualifications, which each take just 6 to 12 weeks to complete. These qualifications provide training for a huge range of bookkeeping roles and are respected by employers worldwide.

  • Access Award in Bookkeeping (Level 1)
  • Access Award in Accounting Software (Level 1) 
  • Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping (Level 2)
  • Foundation Award in Accounting Software (Level 2)
Our professional bookkeeper status launched in July 2016 offering a new level of AAT membership - AAT Bookkeeper. An AAT Bookkeeper holds an associate bookkeeping membership and can use the designatory letters AATQB after their name.

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Course descriptions 

Access Award in Bookkeeping
Details

With this qualification there’s no need for any prior accounting knowledge. This qualification will give you a solid background in single entry bookkeeping. 

This is a basic entry-level qualification and can provide a solid grounding for students with no previous bookkeeping knowledge or experience, before moving on to the foundation-level qualifications. 
Length 6–12 weeks 
Level

Level 1
GCSE (grades D–G)
Cost

Training provider fees: £150–£800 
AAT fees: £40

This payment will give you access to the qualification and the ability to sit the assessments for a maximum of 12 months, or until you complete the qualification, whichever comes first. You’ll also have access to study support resources for the duration of your relationship with AAT. 

Find a training provider

 

Access Award in Accounting Software
Details

This is the perfect starting point if you want to carry out basic finance and administrative duties using accounting software packages. 

This is a basic entry-level qualification and can provide a solid grounding for students with no previous bookkeeping knowledge or experience, before moving on to the foundation-level qualifications. 
Length 6 weeks
Level

Level 1
GCSE (grades D–G)
Cost

Training provider fees: £150–£800 
AAT fees: £40

This payment will give you access to the qualification and the ability to sit the assessments for a maximum of 12 months, or until you complete the qualification, whichever comes first. You’ll also have access to study support resources for the duration of your relationship with AAT. 

Find a training provider

 

Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping
Details

This qualification delivers the skills and essential knowledge to manage books effectively. It includes manual double entry bookkeeping, and associated documents and processes, up to Trial Balance standard.

Most students will start at Foundation level. This qualification can be used as a fast track route to the AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting. 
Length 12 weeks
Level

Level 2
GCSE (grades A*–C)
Cost 

Training provider fees: £150–£800 
AAT fees: £48

This payment will give you access to the qualification and the ability to sit the assessments for a maximum of 12 months, or until you complete the qualification, whichever comes first. You’ll also have access to study support resources for the duration of your relationship with AAT. 

Find a training provider

View course details

Foundation Award in Accounting Software
Details

With this qualification you can build on your knowledge of accounting software packages. You'll learn practical skills, like using accounting software, entering accounting transactions and producing a range of reports.

Most students will start at Foundation level. 
Length 6 weeks
Level Level 2
GCSE (grades A*–C)
Cost

Training provider fees: £150–£800 
AAT fees: £48

This payment will give you access to the qualification and the ability to sit the assessments for a maximum of 12 months, or until you complete the qualification, whichever comes first. You’ll also have access to study support resources for the duration of your relationship with AAT. 

Find a training provider

View course details

Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping
Details

Aimed at experienced bookkeepers, this qualification covers areas such as double entry bookkeeping, financial statements, intermediate spreadsheets and software use.

Achieve professional AAT Bookkeeper status 
If you successfully complete this qualification, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and achieve professional AAT Bookkeeper status (AATQB). 
Length 6 months
Level Level 3
A Level/AS Level (grades A–E)
Cost

Training provider fees: £150–£800 
AAT fees: £48

This payment will give you access to the qualification and the ability to sit the assessments for a maximum of 12 months, or until you complete the qualification, whichever comes first. You’ll also have access to study support resources for the duration of your relationship with AAT. 

Find a training provider

View course details

Fees information

Training provider fees vary widely depending on the training provider and the amount of study materials and support provided.

Download a bespoke proposal for your employer

Training with AAT equips you and your employer with essential skills. That’s why many businesses are happy to contribute to AAT training costs and support study leave.

To help you demonstrate to your employer why it’s a great idea to fund your training, we’ve put together a proposal that you can present to them.

 

Boost your career

Achieve AAT Bookkeeper status

If you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma in Accounting, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and become a professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB). Find out more about achieving professional AATQB status.

If you started the AAT Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping and Ethics before 1 September 2016, you will need to sit the additional Indirect Tax unit to be eligible for AAT associate bookkeeping membership. Please contact us for further details on +44(0)20 3735 2468 or customersupport@aat.org.uk

 

How to build a career with bookkeeping

Watch our Facebook Live video to find out more about how to build a career with your bookkeeping qualification with Henry Cooper, AAT Past President, owner of BirchCooper Accounting.

 

 

Contact us

If you would like advice on studying an AAT qualification speak to one of our helpful advisors on +44(0)20 3735 2434. Our lines are open Monday to Thursday 09.00–20.00 and Friday 09.00–17.00 UK time. You can also request a call back.

You can email us at customersupport@aat.org.uk

Get your free AAT prospectus

 

Why choose AAT?

Exciting career

People think of accountancy as dry, but it is anything but. Accounting roles are exceptionally diverse and deliver quality career opportunities. Read about 10 amazing jobs you can get with an accounting qualification. Financial management is at the heart of every business, so demand for accounting and finance skills is consistently high across all sectors.

 

Great employment prospects

AAT is a name that employers trust. Employers love AAT qualifications as they demonstrate you have the practical real-world skills they need. Our qualifications are developed in consultation with employers and will equip you with the key finance skills modern businesses are looking for.

 

Real value for money

Studying for any qualification is a commitment in terms of time and funding, so you want to be sure that your qualification offers you value for money. AAT qualifications are a quality investment for your career: they are highly respected and valued by employers, globally recognised, and provide the right type of skills for immediate employment.

 

Combine study with full-time work or a family

With AAT you don't have to put your life on hold while you study. Our flexible qualifications mean it’s easy to fit learning around your work, family, friends and leisure time. You can study full-time or part-time, from home, at work or on the move. We work with the best training providers who will guide you through your training and forward into a successful career.

 

Achieve study success

Successful study requires discipline, focus and motivation, so we’re here to help you every step of the way. When you register as a student with AAT we provide you with exclusive access to award-winning revision materials, study resources and support. This includes webinars, Green Light tests, sample assessments, e-learning modules, Real Life scenarios, key calculations and much, much more. We also have a thriving student community providing support and advice on Twitter @YourAAT, our Facebook page and our discussion forums, to help you get the most out of your studies.